Murray pleased to grind out win in tough conditions

In difficult conditions, a try-less game meant that the boot of Brandon Thomson proved decisive, with the Warriors returning to the top of Guinness PRO14 Conference A for the time being as a result.

“It was a tough game,” said Murray.

“The wind was pretty much straight up and down the park. We won the toss, so I had a chat with the half-backs about whether we played with or against the wind first. I felt that if we could defuse their kicking game in the first half, they’d have to play from deep and we’d gain an advantage.

“They kick quite a lot, so we felt that if we could defend well and get a bit of territory after the break we’d be on track. They defended really well, though – they came with a defensive strategy and it worked for them.”

With the victory opening up an eight-point cushion over their conference rivals, Murray believes the result could prove to be the catalyst for Glasgow in their pursuit of a home semi-final.

“We spoke as a group about the need for the four points tonight,” he said.

“The context this year is massively different to last season – this time last year we were 20 points clear, this year it’s obviously a lot closer.

“We’ve got big games coming up against Cardiff Blues and Connacht, too, so this period for me could be the defining point in our season.”

Murray will return to his role as assistant coach for Glasgow’s trip to Cardiff in three weeks’ time, with Dave Rennie set to return following his son’s wedding in New Zealand.

“Dave sent his congratulations in the coaches WhatsApp group after the full-time whistle,” said Murray.

“He’d been watching on in New Zealand – his son’s wedding is later on today, so his day is watch our game, then get ready for the wedding.

“The main thing for me is the relief that I didn’t ruin his day!”